Holy Bezos, Batman! Amazon is buying Comixology

Amazon is now adding a slew of comics to its digital media empire.

The online retailer announced today it’s acquiring Comixology, maker of a popular digital comic app, for an undisclosed sum. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.

The “Comics by Comixology” app, available free on iOS and Android, houses comics from more than 75 publishers. The company has also developed a technology called “Guided View,” which leads readers through individual panels (it’s perfect for beginners, or if you just want to admire fullscreen art).

“ComiXology’s mission is to spread the love of comics and graphic novels in all forms,” Comixology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger said in a statement.

“There is no better home for comiXology than Amazon to see this vision through. Working together, we look to accelerate a new age for comic books and graphic novels.”

While the acquisition will likely mean even more content for Comixology, many comic fans may take issue. It’s the virtual equivalent to an independent comic book store being swallowed by a giant retailer. (Still, I’d much rather go to Comixology for my latest issue of Saga than fight the kids at my local store.)

The New York City-based company has raised more than $2 million from angels and other investors, and it has also taken on around $1 million in debt financing.